Air New Zealand Chairman John Palmer announced today that Chief Executive Officer Rob Fyfe will leave the carrier when his contract expires later this year. Mr Fyfe has held the Chief Executive Officer position since 2005.

In a communication to staff Air New Zealand chief Rob Fyfe confirmed today that London Heathrow would remain part of the Air New Zealand network. As part of a review of all International services it had been thought that the London route was at risk. However Mr Fyfe suggested that service needs to be better matched to demand and that seasonal reductions were possible. The communication also intimated that at lease one new International route would be announced this year.

Crazy About Rugby liveried Boeing 777-319ER ZK-OKQ entered service today operating NZ2 Auckland – Los Angeles – London Heathrow. This earlier than scheduled service entry is due to ZK-OKP not arriving into Auckland this morning due to its Honolulu diversion.

Boeing 777-319ER ZK-OKP operating the Los Angeles – Auckland sector of NZ1 London Heathrow – Los Angeles – Auckland diverted to Honolulu this evening. As crew would go out of hours if the flight continued immediately the aircraft will remain in Honolulu overnight with passengers accommodated in hotels.

US Magazine Air Transport World awarded Air New Zealand its Airline of The Year award today describing Air New Zealand as an industry trendsetter in a number of areas, including product innovation and social media. The airlines was also praised for its staff motivation.